Leah Parker is resilient and hardworking. She’d always prided herself in maintaining a level head, even under pressure. Everything changes when she begins to see strange apparitions and hear ghostly voices on the morning of her birthday.

In a blink of the eyes, Leah’s life takes a drastic turn that spirals her into the unknown. Something is out to get her, but she’s unsure if she’s losing her mind, or the faces and demands of the dead are real. Unable to find the answers she needs, she has no choice but to rely on ex-best friend, Brandon Morris, for help.

But as she will soon discover, Brandon has his own secrets. Some of which defy logic and only add to the mystery surrounding Leah. And mix feelings between the two complicate matters by getting in the way of what they really want, and what they must do.

Can Brandon lighten the load on her by figuring out what or who wants her dead? Or will their past history get in the way of the storm brewing just beyond Leah’s grasp?

Excerpt

“Are you scared of me? Is that it?” As if to make a point, he covered the distance between us in three short steps, and backed me off into the landing to the stairwell behind me, stopping only when our bodies were a few inches from coming into physical contact. The invigorating scent of his cologne invaded my nostrils, causing my mind to go into total and complete turmoil.

I shut down, unsure how to react. I hadn’t anticipated being cornered in a vulnerable spot where we were shielded from view. Normally, I was a sucker for guys who smelled as good as he did, but this was Brandon Morris. I couldn’t decide whether to lean closer and inhale slowly, or scream and push him away.

“Are you?”

I wanted to deny his accusation, but he could see the truth in my eyes. It was pointless to pretend as if he hadn’t just sent my heart into a race. By then he could see how badly I shook. I could not disguise it fast enough for him not to notice.

“Should I be?” I asked softly, fear forcing my voice to quake.

About the Author

Kristy Centeno is the author of the Secrets of the Moon saga and Keeper Witches series.

She has always had a passion for books and after years of being an avid reader, she decided to transform her desire to write into a reality and thus, her first novel was born. When she’s not busy taking care of her five children or holding down the fort, she finds time to sit and do what she loves the most: writing.

Whoever said college was easy? Certainly not Faye Johnson! With shadow creatures stalking and hunting her from the depths of the darkness, Faye soon realizes that being a Light Soul and destroying the evil that lurks in the shadows, won’t make her freshman year any easier.

With the help of her wisecracking best friend Jack, Faye discovers that her ordinary life is about to change drastically. She has an ancient power that the darkness desperately desires. But being untrained, she can’t protect herself for long. That’s when Gabe, a dangerously gorgeous ex-Dark Soul enters her life – seemingly out of thin air.

Jack and Faye’s friendship is put to the test when she starts training with Gabe. Jack warns her that Gabe is dangerous, but she can’t seem to resist her electrifying feelings for him. Events become deadly when the Dark Souls attack and Faye discovers Gabe’s horrifying secret.

Can she count on Jack to be there for her? Can she trust Gabe with her life? Will she be strong enough to protect herself from the darkness that is desperate to kill her?

…And you thought college was easy.

Excerpt

I jumped to my feet, feeling restless as my mind continued to speculate. He didn’t even know me. Why was he being such a major stalker? My rage tempted me to find him and demand he start answering my questions. But some sensible part reminded me that probably wouldn’t be a very good idea.

I took my frustration out on my pillow, slamming it against my wall and then falling face down on my bed. This helped me cool off a little bit. But thoughts of Gabe, Jack, and my weird connection with fire still danced in my head.

An idea occurred to me.

All this time, I was in my room, I had bought the candles, I had put them away. But none of them were lit! I got up from my bed, and made my way to the closest one.

“Light,” I commanded.

Nothing happened. The candle just sat there, perfectly untouched and brand new. I felt a little bit relieved. Maybe if my old one had been defective, then maybe everything else Jack and I had been worried about wasn’t true?

“Light!” I commanded again, a little bit more forcefully. Still nothing happened. Before giving up and giving into my endless pile of homework, I gazed at the candle and concentrated my focus.

I blocked out the sounds of the people in my hall, the cheers and laugher flowing in from my open window, and the smell of pizza originating from the dining hall around the corner. It was just me and the candle. We were the only two things in this world. It was just us.

“Light.”

It burst into flames!

I stumbled back against my bed, shocked. I had made the candle burn, without a lighter or matches. I did that: I’d lit it. How was that possible?

I felt the heat from my anger begin to boil my blood as I realized everything Jack and I were fearful of, was true. I was in trouble. I had no idea what I was, or what it meant. I had no idea why Gabe was stalking me. I had no answers and I didn’t know what to do or who could help me. All of my confusion just further fueled my anger. I felt myself begin to lose control. As my anger grew, so did the flame.

I stood up straight, a determination igniting in my veins. I might not have all the answers, but I sure as hell knew someone who did. Without thinking, I gave into temptation and ran out of my bedroom, down the hall, and burst through the front doors of the building. I ran past all of the buildings on Redstone Campus and into the surrounding woods. I felt the branches and leaves scrape against my skin, but still I kept running. I didn’t stop. Not until I was deep enough into the forest to find I was alone with the darkness.

He’ll come, I thought. Soon enough, he will find me.

About the Author:

H. C. Harris has been daydreaming, imagining stories, and composing music since before she could even write! She was born and raised in New Hampshire before moving to Burlington, Vermont for college. During her senior year at the University of Vermont, she discovered she had a passion for creating fantasy stories that transported her readers to mysterious and romantic places.

H. C. Harris shared samples of her work with her online audience. Fans have described it as, “addicting,” “a page-turner,” and “swoon-worthy.” With their encouragement, she submitted her work to publishing companies and is now contracted with Inkspell Publishing!

She currently lives in Hartford, Connecticut where she is working on her Master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. She teaches Spin classes, loves playing the piano, drinking coffee and taking her German Shepherd and Black Lab for runs!

Hairdresser Lola Flannigan has a little electrical problem. After getting struck by lightning seven times, her hands now shock everyone she touches, except for one person; the very sexy, very wealthy Morgan Slade. But is Morgan really looking out for her, or is he just planning to use her to get what he wants?

~*~

Hearts must be broken by Bridie Hall (suspense)

When a ghost from her past wants to take revenge on twenty-year-old Anais, the only one she can turn to for help is Damon. But things quickly become complicated because he has feelings for her and she doesn’t want a relationship. Can she learn to trust him and can he forgive her past?

~*~

Lost & Found by Shilpa Mudiganti (sweet)

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Aisha, who is still grieving for her ex boyfriend John is in for a surprise. Liam, John’s bestfriend, who has had feelings for her but had to keep his feelings in check is ready to prove his love for her. But is she ready to risk her heart again?

~*~

Avalanche by Kim Briggs (sweet with a side of steamy)

Lexi returns to her first love, Wolf Creek Ski Resort, with ambitions of becoming a ski instructor. She soon finds herself in the middle of a longtime feud between Gabe, a snow groomer who gives off the broken vibe Lexi finds irresistible, and Harrison the fourth, playboy son of Wolf Creek’s owner who always wants what Gabe has. Tensions boil at Wolf Creek, and Lexi’s heart might not be the only thing at stake.

~*~

What’s better than a book boyfriend by Sarah Vance-Tompkins (small town contemporary romance)

Shy librarian Charlie Bishop has spent every Valentine’s Day in the company of one of her beloved book boyfriends. Despite his many attempt to gain her attention, Charlie is absolutely certain she has nothing common with hunky construction worker Hank Carter. So how far will Hank have to go to prove to Charlie he’s better than any of her book boyfriends?

~*~

Not today by Lisa Hahn (contemporary)

Emily Scott is mourning the loss of a parent. Ezra Cavanuagh is ready to give up on his dreams of literary success. Will their new connection be enough to help them pull through these trying times?

GIVEAWAY!

We have a giveaway too! We are giving away 5 copies of the boxset and 1 $10 Amazon gift card! If you would like to participate in the draw, sign up here: http://eepurl.com/cxARrv

But this is not all. Each story in the box set has an individual cover, and here’s the one for my story Hearts must be broken by Eva Talia.

Valentine Kisses includes novellas by Abigail Drake, Lisa Hahn, Kim Briggs, Shilpa Mudiganti, Sarah Vance-Tompins and moi. They’re all romance, but, oh, so different! From sci-fi to small town romance to new adult. A little bit of something for everyone. Coming soon!

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Today, I’m so excited to share the wonderful cover for Ever in the After: 13 Fantasy Tales. This anthology of fantasy/SFF short stories has been put together in aid of Lift 4 Autism, and releases April 1st, 2017. 100% of the proceeds will go to Lift 4 Autism. How great is that?

So, let’s take a look at the gorgeous cover!

Isn’t it beautiful?

The cover was designed and created by Stephanie Keyes, and it fits the stories in the anthology perfectly.

About the anthology…

In Ever in the After, 13 authors come together to explore fantastical realms full of supernatural creatures, dark intrigue, and spells that may–or may not–be curses.

This anthology features work by:

Melle Amade

Miracle Austin

J. A. Culican

Madeline Dyer

Jessica Hawke

Alaina Hebert

Elizabetta Holcomb

Stephanie Keyes

Christopher D. Morgan

Mandy Peterson

Alice Rachel

Cadence Rae

Jaqueline E. Smith

A must-have fantasy collection full of surprises, secrets, and strong teenagers who know what they need to do to succeed in these mystical realities.

On the run from the Organization, Starr never planned on falling in love.

Starr Bishop’s the complete package. A perfect smile, brains to match, and a winning attitude. Boys want to date her and girls want to be her. She’s the type of girl you want to hate, if only she wasn’t so damn likable. But don’t worry, she’s not interested in your boyfriend. Boys are one complication she can live without.

When the Organization decides she’s not only the model student but the ideal assassin, Starr’ll need a lot more than high test scores and extracurricular involvement to get herself out of that commitment.

Dark, moody, and dead sexy Christian Evergood is the last person she’d expect—or even want— to come to her rescue. From opposite ends of Webster High’s social hierarchy, their lives collide in one electrifying moment. Christian isn’t the Goth loner he pretends to be, he’s a part Cherokee, All-American boy who wants to be a hero, Starr’s hero. Christian makes Starr forget that the Organization is after her, but nothing will stop the Organization from collecting their top recruit.

By the way, the spot for junior class president just became available.

Excerpt

1

I glance up just before plowing into a tall, muscular frame. As our bodies collide, time stops for one brief moment. Strong arms pull me into his black Ramones t-shirt. He shifts his body under mine, drawing me in closer to his chest. His heart races against my cheek; it matches the sprint of my own.

In a tight embrace, we fall as if someone hit slow motion and we drop frame by frame without ever hitting the bottom. Nothing exists in the entire universe except for our plunging bodies pressed against each other. When we finally hit the hard tile floor, he takes most of the impact because I’m cocooned in his arms. Something tightens just below my belly button—a nervous kind of flip-floppy feeling, and I finally understand what Sami and Jody always talk about.

“You,” he murmurs. I gaze into Christian’s black lined eyes with newfound shyness. I never noticed just how blue his eyes are. A blue so deep and pure and clear I’m tempted to swim in them for hours, but the catcalls “Get a room” and rowdy laughter remind me we’re in the middle of the cafeteria with our food deprived classmates, and we’re fresh bait. A burn creeps into my cheeks.

He pushes himself up beside me. Whatever emotion was in his eyes a moment ago vanishes as quickly as it appeared. Two sharp, unforgiving vertical lines form between his eyebrows. Without even a grunt of acknowledgement, he stalks away. I stare after his black t-shirt, wondering what just happened and did he feel it too?

“Starr, are you okay?” someone asks, but I’m lost in my own world. “Starr, are you okay?” A hand grips my shoulder.

If there was any electricity coursing through my veins, it’s gone now.

I shake my head to clear it before turning to Frank. “Yeah…, yeah, I’m fine.”

I think.

About the Author

Kim once smashed into a tree while skiing. The accident led to a concussion, a cracked sternum, temporary notoriety as a sixth grader returned from the dead, and the realization that fictionalized accounts are way more interesting than just slipping on the ice.

An unhealthy obsession with conspiracy theories combined with a love of travel and happily ever afters led Kim to write her YA novel, Starr Fall, where a secret organization decides Starr Bishop would make the ideal assassin. While in hiding, Starr meets dark, moody, and dead sexy Christian Evergood. Cue the swoon worthy music. But it’s not all happily ever afters for Kim, her NA novel, And Then He, explores the dark and scary corners of the human psyche. Following a night of innocent flirting with a handsome stranger, Tiffani finds herself in the midst of a nightmare she can’t escape. And Then He is available now through Amazon and other major book retailers. Starr Fall will debut November 2016 with Inkspell Publishing.

When she’s not doing something writerly, Kim can be found jumping into snow drifts with her three kids, husband, and dog. She’s careful to avoid trees.

One lucky winner will receive a bag of Starr Fall swag including bookmarks, all the fixings for s’mores (once you read the book, you’ll know why), and this…

See that little metal tag? It says “Me to We.” Cool huh? You know what else is cool, the purchase of the bracelet bought one month of clean water to a child in a community overseas. Starr’s all about water and making an impact. Kim is too, and she can’t wait to give this bracelet to one lucky recipient. All you need to do is pre-order Starr Fall, then email a copy of the proof of purchase (a screenshot works) to KimBriggsAuthor @ gmail.com (Don’t forget to remove the spaces;)

My name is Rose, and welcome to the summer break before my senior year. You’d think I’d be a little more excited, sorry to disappoint. My mom thinks I’m in a state of depression. I yell how nuts she is…then begin snot-crying, uncontrollably. So embarrassing.

I live on a small island named Luna Bay, in North Carolina. I should be getting excited like the rest of the teenage population to venture off into the enchanting world of endless exams and studying—college. Instead, I spend my days hiding out in my room, living vicariously through the lives of fictional characters.

Until my whole world turns upside down when I throw water in an innocent guy’s face. That’s when the headaches start, the blackouts and general craziness, ya know, more so than normal.

“Oh, shit,” Henry rumbles, eyes shooting from me to everyone else, “the meds have fried her brain, what she has left of one, anyway.”

“Not funny,” Dad growls disapprovingly.

“She’s fine. She just isn’t used to them yet. Give it time.” Mom waves it off and goes back to reading the reviews for her book on her iPad.

Jarrod shakes his head, appearing aggravated and goes back to eating his breakfast, which doesn’t take him long to finish. “You wanna go to the mall with me?” he asks. I takes me a minute to realize who he’s talking to. This is a first, for both of us. So, in reply, I stare at him.

The rest of the people at the table are pretty much doing the same. “You’re joking, right?” Henry chuckles then frowns when Jarrod doesn’t crack up.

“Samantha’s birthday’s coming up.” He shrugs, like it’s not a big deal. “I need help picking something out for her. Something girly.”

“Yeah.” I snort. “’Cause I’m so feminine.”

“Will you come with me or not?” he snaps, jaw muscle twitching.

“Whatever.” I throw my hands up, slouch out of my chair, and take off down the hall.

“Excuse me, young lady. You were not excused!” my mother yells heatedly.

“I don’t care!” I really don’t.

“That’s it! With that attitude, you’re not leaving this house, do you hear me?” By now she’s screeching. She’d be perfect in one of the bands I listen to. She could scream just like one of the Butcher Babies. If only she’d get her head out of her ass long enough to breathe fresh air, she might realize it’s not devil’s music.

About the Author:

Ashley’s favorite thing to write about is basically anything to do with myths, supernatural, paranormal… but upon occasion she’ll write about young adult life. It comes somewhat naturally to her considering she’s twenty herself.

If the vampires or other supernatural beings still haven’t claimed her, you’ll most likely find her with her computer or a notebook, working on whatever story plots invaded her mind at that time or an article for www.lllranting.com. An organization that supports LGBT+ people and mental health sufferers. Like most young people, she’s still unsure of what all she wants to do with her life. Become a marine biologist, graphic designer, editor, own a clothing line, or become a cryptozoologist? Maybe just stick to writing? Or, maybe do all of the above. We might find out one day.

She hopes to one day travel the world, take her mom to swim with the dolphins, let her sister finally visit Graceland, and swim with sharks…probably without Mom. She currently lives in North Carolina with her mom, sister, and four crazy, spoiled dogs who think they’re human.

You can find her on her website: http://www.JustThatWeirdoNextDoor.com, or on pretty much any other social media site as AshKat174, except Snapchat (ash_lllranting). You can probably find those links on her website.

Staying true to her own character has never been a problem for Dr. Alessandra Foxglove. Andie has devoted herself to teaching others, and – not to toot her own horn – she’s damned good at it, too. A beloved college professor and engaged social activist, Andie has her heart – and both her hands – full.

So when celebrity bad boy Guy Wilder wanders into her classroom one day by accident, Andie doesn’t think much of it at first. There are guest speakers at the university on a daily basis – although none as devilishly handsome as primetime’s favorite preternatural lady-killer with lightning bolt blue eyes, Silas Dove. But when he shows up again the next day after a capricious goodbye, Andie begins to see that there’s more going on behind the scenes with this brooding, bad boy star. And even though she’s built a career on analyzing the human reaction to Hollywood’s most sexy and dangerous characters, she can’t help herself from falling under the very same spell she preaches against. Besides, with cheekbones like that, she couldn’t say no if she tried.

Guy bowed in—or rather, he stepped in and tilted his head down toward her—closing the gap between them. Whether he did it for effect, or to bring that thin ring of green back into her vision, she wasn’t sure. But he was close, so close. His voice was the tiniest step above a whisper, his mouth a breath away from hers. “You’re not trying to put a spell on me, are you, Andie Foxglove?”

Her insides turned to pudding. Every fiber of her being went limp and wanted to swoon at that comment and those eyes. Worse, something extremely naughty inside her gave a second’s thought to falling into what seemed like a taunting, waiting kiss on the edge of Guy’s still very-close lips. But somehow—miraculously—Andie stood her ground, even with a fever crawling up her skin and making her eyes burn. She wasn’t sure if he was flirting with her, or challenging her, or both, but she liked it—really liked it. The Guy Wilder who had slid in her classroom door had gone from nervous to flippant to downright coy, and nothing could whet Andie’s appetite like a good challenge. A good challenge wrapped inside the beautiful mess that was Guy Wilder wasn’t so bad either.

“Not today, Mr. Wilder,” she whispered in the space between them as the bell rang overhead.

Not today, Andie reflected as the door swung open and she turned to greet the students pushing their way into her classroom. But she never said never.

Author Bio / Social Media

Alyse Miller is a contemporary women’s fiction author with a penchant for romantic and speculative twists. While she writes comfortably across several genres, Alyse especially enjoys writing for a new adult audience and exploring the emotions of romance and the growth of the human spirit as it transitions from adolescence into adulthood.

She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writer’s Association, and the Author’s Guild. Alyse is currently represented by InkSpell Publishing.

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Pioneers from Earth, the first Settlers, arrived on Home Planet in giant spaceships after getting lost in a huge lightning storm. On the planet, they discovered herds of horses that seemed to vanish every time the storm season came. But they didn’t vanish; the horses had the ability to open passages through space to other planets. A few Settlers started following the herds, finding new planets. Soon, a mighty Federation of planets was born, cities and spaceports grew – but there were some who still followed the herds, seeking out new planets for the growing population of Settlers. These were the Herders – a small group of explorers who accompanied their horses across the galaxy, through passages they called the Lightning Storms. But mysterious alien Raiders preyed on the horses and their Herders – and those taken were never seen again.

Meagan and Carl Cadet, youngest herders in the Federation, fought to keep their horses when their parents were taken by Raiders. The Cadets are loners, and prefer to keep to themselves. To shy Meagan’s dismay, on Tauii 3 they are joined by the rowdy Jeffries brothers. But when tragedy strikes, Meagan slowly opens up to the Jeffries’ friendship. Then Raiders capture Meagan and Luke Jeffries. Now they have to find the key to unlock the mysterious horse passages – or die.

Teaser:

The Jeffries’ had moved their herd to the south end of the lake. Today, the boys had started breaking in the two-year-olds, and Meagan decided before swimming she’d go have a look at their work.

It was a ten-minute walk along the shoreline, and as she walked she gathered eggs from the many nests she found. She only took one egg from each nest, putting them carefully in her pouch after admiring their speckled amethyst coloring.

Luke saw her coming and waved. He sat astride the lead mare and her presence calmed the young horses his brothers rode. They cantered slowly around a circle of bare earth worn in the grass. Luke led, with his brothers right behind him. Their mounts snorted loudly and swished their tails, unused to having riders on their backs. They cantered a while, slowed to a bouncy trot, and dropped to a walk. Skittishly, the younger horses tossed their heads and pranced sideways.

“Let’s go faster!” cried Luke, urging his mare into a gallop. She pinned her ears back, as if annoyed to be acting the part of schoolmistress, but set off at a fast pace. The three boys galloped after Luke, sitting astride their horses with practiced ease.

Meagan sat on a nearby log and watched. She admired the way the brothers rode. Everyone had a different style, but the Jeffries looked both athletic and graceful.

In the distance, across the lake, she could see Carl walking toward their camp. He waved his hat in the air, and she waved back. Meagan rose and picked up the eggs. She should get back if she wanted to swim before dinner. Luke and his brothers wouldn’t be finished for a while yet.

She’d just finished adjusting the strap on her shoulder pouch when a clap of thunder made her jump. Frowning, she looked around. There were no storm clouds in sight. A faint sparkle caught Meagan’s eye, and she stiffened. A mist curtain, no more than three feet wide, appeared in the middle of the plain. Her heart seemed to stop, then start again, pounding frantically. “R-r-raid . . . Raiders,” she whispered. She had to warn Carl and the Jeffries brothers. She tried to shout, but her voice stuck in her throat. She couldn’t say anything. She opened her mouth, but no sound came out at all.

Panic-stricken, she screamed, and her voice shattered the air around her. She tried to call to Carl, to tell him to watch out, but all she could do was scream. A flock of birds rocketed out of the long grass, their wings whirring around her. She tried to stop, dragging air into her lungs and clapping her hands over her mouth, but she screamed again, and all of a sudden the words poured out. “Luke! Carl! Raiders! Raiders are coming! Get the horses! Get out of here!” She started running for her camp.

The boys fought to control their young mounts as strange horses surged out of the mist curtain. Upon their backs, cloaked riders crouched low. They held long poles with lassos attached. Without pausing to look around, the Raiders galloped straight for Luke and his brothers.

Shouting, Luke motioned at his brothers to save the herd. The untrained horses, frightened by the noise and sudden panic of their riders, took off at full gallop, clods of dirt and grass flying in the pursuing Raiders’ faces.

Meagan saw Carl running toward their herd. He leapt through the tall grass and whistled for his horse. She knew he had to get the lead mare out of the way. If he could catch Boo, then he could herd their horses across the plains and out of the Raiders’ reach. The Raiders never let their mist curtain close behind them, so they could get back home. Because of this, the Raiders couldn’t venture beyond a certain perimeter. If Carl could get their horses far enough away, they would be safe.

Meagan held on to that thought as she ran, her breath coming in sharp gasps. Behind her, she heard hoof beats. She turned. Two Raiders were swooping down upon her.

She uttered a frightened scream and dodged, flinging herself toward the lake. Perhaps she could swim away from them. But the Raiders, anticipating her move, rode to cut her off. She swerved again, her lungs burning and her legs aching as she ran. Then someone called her name, and she saw Luke galloping toward her, his hand outstretched.

Luke paid no attention. Kicking his mare, he leaned over and snagged Meagan’s arm. She felt as if it had been yanked out of its socket as she was jerked off her feet. Instinctively, she swung her legs over the mare’s back and grabbed Luke’s waist. A second later a lasso zinged through the air, just missing her head.

Luke had just turned the mare toward the lake to try to lose their pursuers, when another rope shot overhead and settled on the mare’s neck. With a harsh cry, Luke pulled her back before she was knocked off her feet. The Raiders were too quick. They hauled back on the rope, sending the mare tumbling. Luke and Meagan fell heavily to the ground, and the last thing Meagan saw were the mare’s kicking feet.

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Drama student Hannah Evans isn’t kissing any frogs on her path to find Prince Charming. She’s determined to share the perfect first kiss — with the perfect boy — in the perfect place — or she’s not kissing at all. When Hannah meets a cute ginger-haired boy in first class lounge in the London airport, she knows he’s ‘The One.’

Pop star Theo Callahan is on the road to get as far away as possible from his back-stabbing best friend, and his supermodel girlfriend who broke his heart. Until one shy smile from Hannah has him rethinking all of his travel plans.

Theo is smitten, but he’s worried she’s just a groupie in search of the ultimate selfie. Can Theo learn to trust Hannah in time to share one perfect first kiss, or will Hannah be forced to kiss a frog?

He wasn’t much older than me. His ginger-colored hair was alive in an unkempt manner that made him look both stylish and scruffy. He wore a battered leather jacket and skinny jeans. His kicks were a pair of powder blue Nike Air Pythons that perfectly matched the color of his eyes. And seriously, I would’ve sworn his eyes were Photoshopped, except there he was, live and in person right in front of me.

He smiled. His cheeks dimpled and the corners of his eyes wrinkled, and it took my breath away. A warm feeling started in my toes, moved up over my knees and into my torso, causing my stomach to do a double-twisting Yurchenko off the pommel horse and stick the landing.

OMG! This is the boy. The one I’d been waiting for.

I wanted to kiss this boy.

Julia teased me relentlessly but the truth was I’d never kissed a boy.

Ever.

I had never had the “feels” before, but I knew I had found The One. The boy I wanted to share my perfect, first kiss.

Unfortunately I didn’t have time to tell him before I dropped to the floor. Unconscious.

About the Author:

Sarah Vance-Tompkins was born in a small town in northern Michigan. She received an MFA in Film Production from the University of Southern California, and went on to work in feature film development. Prior to film school, she wrote and produced radio and television commercials. A working writer, she has been paid to write everything from obituaries and press releases to breathless descriptions of engagement rings. She and her husband, The Handsomest Man Alive™, live in Southern California with three cats.